How and Where to Celebrate Hanukkah in Rhode Island
Rhode Island has plenty of Hanukkah happenings planned throughout the eight-day-long holiday celebration.
Via Getty Images.
For those who may not be as familiar with the history of the widely celebrated Jewish holiday, the story of Hanukah begins around 166 BC when King Antiochus IV of the Greek Empire outlawed Judaism and defiled the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. In response, a small Jewish army known as the Maccabees led a successful rebellion against the Greeks. But when they returned to the Temple to relight the ritual candelabra (menorah), there was only enough oil left to last one day. Miraculously, it lasted eight. Today, Jewish people celebrate Hanukkah and commemorate the Maccabees’ victory with eight nights of menorah lightings and fried food (made with oil) consumption. This year, Hanukkah will begin the evening of Sunday, December 14, and conclude on Monday, December 22.
While many traditionally do their celebrating with family at home, Rhode Island does have plenty of Hanukkah happenings throughout the month for your consideration:
Camp JORI Hanukkah Party
Celebrate the festival of lights with a roaring campfire, snacks, crafts and tours of the grounds. The camp asks attendees to consider bringing a non-perishable Kosher food item to donate to the Jewish Family Services’ Kosher Food Pantry.
When: Sunday, Dec. 14, from 1–3 p.m.
Where: Camp JORI, 1065 Wordens Pond Rd., Wakefield, 401783-7000, campjori.com
More info: jewishrhody.com
Chanukah at the Mall
Witness a beautiful menorah lighting, sing Chanukah songs, browse the gift shop, participate in arts and crafts and indulge in hot latkes and doughnuts.
When: Sunday, Dec. 14, at 4:30p.m.
Where: Inside the Warwick Mall (near JC Penney), 400 Bald Hill Rd., Warwick, 401-739-7500, warwickmall.com
More info: rabbiwarwick.com
Temple Beth-El Hanukkah Celebration
Join Temple Beth-El in lighting the first menorah candle, contribute to Paper Midrash’s Fingerprint Mosaic, dance to some klezmer tunes with Ezekiel’s Wheels, eat some latkes and more.
When: Sunday, Dec. 14, from 4–5:30 p.m.
Where: Temple Beth-El, 70 orchard Ave., Providence, 401-331-6070, temple-beth-el.org
More info: jewishrhody.com
Songs of Light: Jewish Choral Music and Sing-Along
Head just over the border and join the Tifereth Israel Congregation for Songs of Light, a Hanukkah concert for all ages featuring Koleinu – Boston’s Jewish Chorus. Enjoy beautiful choral music and sing a long to familiar Hanukkah favorites. General admission is $18 for adults, $10 for seniors, $5 for students and free for children younger than five. Families may purchase group tickets (six total) for $36. You also can purchase a ticket that will be gifted to a member of the community for general admission price. Purchase tickets here.
When: Sunday, Dec 14, at 2–3:30 p.m.
Where: Tifereth Israel Congregation, 145 Brownell Ave., New Bedford, MA, 508-997-3171, tinewbedford.org
More info: jewishrhody.com
Chanukah at Shalom Apartments
Experience a traditional menorah lighting ceremony complete with hot latkes, gelt, and dreidel games.
When: Monday, Dec. 15, at 4:30 p.m.
Where: Shalom Apartments, 1 Shalom Dr., Warwick, 401-738-4414, jcsri.org
More info: rabbiwarwick.com
Menorah Lighting at Pawtucket City Hall
Celebrate the spirit of Hanukkah with the City of Pawtucket and the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island at a special menorah lighting ceremony. You can expect an uplifting evening of tradition, community, and celebration with light refreshments.
When: Monday, Dec. 15, at 4:30 p.m.
Where: Pawtucket City Hall, 137 Roosevelt Ave., Pawtucket, 401-728-0500, pawtucketri.gov
More info: jewishrhody.com
Cranston Hanukkah Celebrations
Stop by for a menorah lighting, greetings from local Dignitaries, hot latkes, gelt and more.
When: Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 4:45 p.m.
Where: Cranston City Hall, 869 Park Ave., Cranston, 401-461-1000, cranstonri.gov
More info: rabbiwarwick.com
RITN Community Chanukah Party
The Rhode Island Torah Network invites the community to stop by to experience live music by the Dorons, latkes, donuts and Chanukah joy.
When: Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 8 p.m.
Where: Mishkon Tfiloh, 203 Summit Ave., Providence, mishkontfiloh.wixsite.com/shul
More info: jewishrhody.com
Car Menorah Parade and State House Celebration
To participate in the parade, be sure to reserve a light weight PVC menorah for your car by emailing rabbiwarwick@gmail.com. The procession will meet at Chabad in Warwick and make its way to the State House in Providence. Afterwards, around 6 p.m., join Governor Dan Mckee at the capitol for a lighting, hot latkes, gelt and a live musical performance by The Dorons. RSVP for the celebration at chabadriprovidence.com
When: Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 5 p.m.
Where: Chabad of West Bay Chai Center, 3871 Post Rd., Warwick, 401-884-7888, rabbiwarwick.com; 82 Smith St., Providence, 401-222-3983, sos.ri.gov
More info: rabbiwarwick.com; chabadriprovidence.com
Newport Hanukkah Lighting
Head down to the City By the Sea to partake in its annual menorah lighting, hosted by the City of Newport in collaboration with the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.
When: Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Newport City Hall, 43 Broadway, Newport, 401-845-5300, cityofnewport.com
More info: jewishrhody.com
PVD Hanukkah Spectaculah
The Department of Art, Culture + Tourism; P3 and the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island are celebrating Hanukkah with a menorah lighting outside Providence City Hall at 4:45pm followed by food, music by Fishel Bresler’s Klezmer Hotshots, and art inside City Hall.
When: Thursday, December 18, from 4:45 p.m.–6 p.m.
Where: Providence City Hall, 25 Dorrance St., Providence, 401-680-5000, providenceri.gov
More info: jewishrhody.com
Kosher Senior Cafe Hanukkah Celebration
The Kosher Senior Cafe invites the community to their annual Hanukkah celebration featuring live music from Providence Civic Orchestra of Senior Citizens followed by a delicious holiday meal. The event is free but a $3 donation is appreciated. reservations are required by Dec. 12 — RSVP here.
When: Friday, Dec. 19, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Where: Kosher Senior Cafe, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, jcsri.org
More info: jewishrhody.com
Menorah Lighting at East Greenwich Town Hall
The ceremony will take place on the town hall’s front lawn and include hot latkes, Chanukah songs, gelt, greetings from dignitaries and more.
When: Saturday, Dec. 20, at 6p.m.
Where: East Greenwich Town Hall, 125 Main St., East Greenwich, 401-886-8600, eastgreenwichri.gov
More info: rabbiwarwick.com
Chanukah at Pawtuxet Park
The Pawtuxet Park party will feature a menorah lighting, hot latkes, gelt, dreidels and more.
When: Sunday, Dec. 21, at 6 p.m.
Where: Pawtuxet Park (Narragansett Prkway end), 2 E. View St., Warwick, 401-738-2000, visitwarwickri.com
More info: rabbiwarwick.com
Local Jewish Businesses
But if you are planning to stick closer to home, consider picking up a delicious Hanukkah-appropriate goodie or two from one of the following Jewish (or Jew-ish, as the self-proclaimed case may be for some) bakeries:
Maven’s Delicatessen
Maven’s is a modern traditional Jewish deli on the Providence/Pawtucket known for its bagels and schmear, potato latkes, schnitzel snadwisches and more. Learn more in our dining review here.
Hours: Fri.–Sat., from 8 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sun.–Thurs., from 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Details: 727 East Ave., Pawtucket, 205-8560, mavensdeli.com
Navad Bakers
Be sure to take advantage of Navad’s Hanukkah specials, including hazelnut praline and assorted sufganiyot here. Learn more about the bakery on our blog here.
Hours: Order for pickup or delivery. See website for details.
Details: 63 Commercial Way, East Providence, 401-425-9544, navad.com
Just Like Nana’s
Just Like Nana’s was born from owner Karen Griffin’s desire to introduce her authentic Rugelah, a traditional pastry from her heritage to the general public. Ten years later, she handed the business over to Mayss Bajbouj-Kinjaw who likewise wanted to share her Middle Eastern culture and heritage with others. Today, Just Like Nana’s offers delicious handcrafted baked goods from both cultures. Read more about its origins on our blog here.
Hours: Order for pickup only, see website for details.
Details: 560 Mineral Spring Ave., Pawtucket, 859-333-9096, justlikenanas.com
Oak Bakeshop
This Jew-ish (not a typo!) bakery and cafe’s cases offer up traditional Jewish items like hamantaschen, rugelach and Jerusalem bagels alongside classic treats like cookies, muffins and cinnamon buns — plus a full coffee bar. Read more on our blog here.
Hours: Tues.–Fri., from 7 a.m.–2 p.m.; Sat.–Sun., from 7 a.m.–3 p.m.
Details: 130 Cypress St., Providence, oakbakeshop.com
